National Black Cat Appreciation Day – August 17

They’re just as cute and cuddly as their other cat counterparts, but black cats often get a bad rap. Buck stereotypes and show the raven-haired kitties some well-deserved love this August 17 on Black Cat Appreciation Day. For one reason or another, black cats come with lots of superstitions. Long ago, in the Middle Ages, black cats were believed to be connected to witchcraft, and the reputation stuck. It is often said to be bad luck if a black cat walks in front of you, and that the encounter is a sign of bad things to come. But black cats come with some admiration, as well. Many black cat owners believe them to be more empathic and instinctive than other breeds. Black cats can even be seen all over pop culture: check out the cartoon Felix the Cat, the sarcastic Thackery Binx in the Halloween movie "Hocus Pocus," and Salem in "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." For those willing to take a “chance” on black cats, be sure to commemorate their day on August 17.

National Black Cat Appreciation Day - Key Moments

1993

Binx Is Born

"Hocus Pocus" premieres, and one of its stars is a black cat named Binx

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